Baseline Consultant - Women Peace and Security II

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Somalia remains one of the world's most fragile states, shaped by decades of conflict, recurring climate shocks, and deep-rooted gender inequality. Women and children constitute over 80 percent of internally displaced persons, and gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting and child marriage remain pervasive. Despite constitutional commitments to a 30 percent women's quota, only 20.06 percent of parliamentary seats are held by women nationally, with representation in most Federal Member State parliaments falling far short of this target. Somalia ranks fourth lowest on the global Gender Inequality Index and 166 out of 177 countries on the Women, Peace and Security Index, underscoring the scale of structural exclusion women continue to face in public and political life.

Gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence affect women and girls across the country, with nearly one in four Somali women impacted according to the UN Secretary General's 2025 report on CRSV. The justice system remains weak, perpetuating widespread impunity. Patriarchal norms, clan structures, and entrenched socio-cultural traditions continue to limit women's mobility, political participation, and access to protection and justice. In this context, women's meaningful participation in peace and security processes is not only a rights imperative but a prerequisite for durable peace.

Despite these structural barriers, Somali women have played essential roles in community peacebuilding, mediation, and advocacy. The first phase of the Women, Peace and Protection Joint Programme (WPP, 2022 to 2025) made significant gains in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. It supported the launch of the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, the development of Local Action Plans in Federal Member States, the strengthening of Women Parliamentary Caucuses, and the engagement of women's networks in conflict prevention and governance. The programme worked across community and institutional levels, mobilizing women leaders, CSOs, and government counterparts toward more inclusive governance and protection frameworks.

The end-term evaluation of the first phase identified a number of gaps, including weak coordination mechanisms between federal and state institutions, limited inclusion of the most vulnerable groups of women, insufficient gender-responsive justice pathways, and the need for more coherent alignment with complementary peacebuilding and governance programmes. These findings, together with the extensive stakeholder consultations conducted in January 2025 and Canada's monitoring mission to Puntland, have directly shaped the design of Phase II.

The Women, Peace and Protection Joint Programme Phase II (WPPII), implemented by UN Women and UNDP with technical support from UNTMIS, builds on this foundation. It seeks to promote women's meaningful participation in political, legislative, peace, and security processes at national and community levels; create an enabling environment for women's protection and engagement through strengthened legal frameworks and social norm change; and ensure economic empowerment is embedded as a pathway to sustain women's agency in peacebuilding beyond the programme period. The programme operates across 17 districts in Banadir, Jubaland, Southwest State, Hirshabelle, Puntland, and Galmudug, over a 24-month period supported by the Somalia Joint Fund.

The programme is being implemented during a period of significant transition within the UN presence in Somalia, including the ongoing UNTMIS transition. As the configuration of UN support evolves, the modalities through which certain Women, Peace and Security activities and technical support are delivered and sustained may change over the programme period. Transition readiness is therefore a deliberate feature of the programme's design, and the baseline is expected to establish a clear picture of which coordination mechanisms, technical functions, and protection structures can be progressively embedded within government and civil society so that core Women, Peace and Security gains are sustained independently of any single UN entity's continued presence.

Before implementation begins, a baseline survey is required to establish a rigorous starting point for the programme. This survey will generate the evidence needed to track results, validate indicators, refine targets, and assess the feasibility of key transitions envisioned by the programme, including the embedding of women-led coordination mechanisms within government structures and the linking of women peace actors to economic empowerment opportunities. The baseline will serve as the foundation against which a mid-term review and final independent evaluation will be measured.

Purpose and Specific Objectives

The purpose of the baseline survey is to establish an updated, current baseline across the key programme areas of WPPII and generate evidence-based benchmarks against which programme results can be tracked over the 24-month implementation period. The survey will validate the feasibility of programme indicators, refine targets where necessary, and provide a rigorous analytical foundation for programme management and learning.

Specifically, the baseline survey will:

1. Establish baseline values for all outcome and output indicators in the WPPII results framework, drawing on available monitoring data, perception surveys, and the end-term evaluation of WPP Phase I, where applicable, to avoid duplication. Where primary data for specific indicators cannot be collected due to access, logistics, or data availability constraints, the consultant shall propose and justify appropriate proxy indicators. The baseline will confirm or recommend adjustments to programme targets for Year 1 and Year 2, including women’s representation in national and Federal Member State parliaments, community perceptions on women’s leadership, participation in formal peace and mediation processes, and women’s confidence in influencing peace outcomes and early warning systems. Where output-level indicators capture institutional and community changes that are not yet measurable at programme start, the consultant shall establish a documented zero or pre-implementation baseline and, where relevant, propose how these will be tracked over the implementation period;
2. Assess the current state of women's meaningful participation in political, legislative, and peace and security processes across the six programme locations, identifying the structural, institutional, and social barriers that limit engagement in both formal and informal peacebuilding, and the degree of readiness among communities, religious leaders, and traditional elders to support women's leadership[1].The baseline methodology shall define and apply measurable dimensions of meaningful participation, such as women’s influence over decisions, leadership roles, participation in peace infrastructures, and voice within mediation and governance processes, rather than numerical representation alone. The assessment shall also examine young women’s participation, the specific barriers they face, and their engagement pathways within peace and governance structures, including intergenerational dynamics, in line with the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security nexus;
3. Examine the implementation status of the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 and Local Action Plans across Federal Member States, identify gaps in the translation of gender equality and Women, Peace and Security commitments into enforceable legal and policy frameworks, and assess women’s access to justice and gender-responsive legal protection services. The consultant shall propose measurable indicators to guide data collection across each of these areas. The assessment will also examine the gender-responsiveness of the rule of law and security sector institutions in preventing and responding to SGBV and CRSV;
4. Map existing protection structures, One-Stop Centre services, and referral pathways for SGBV and CRSV survivors, assess the current capacity and reach of women-led conflict early warning systems across programme locations, and identify gaps and entry points to strengthen women's CSO engagement in early warning reporting and preparedness planning;
5. Examine the economic situation of women and young women engaged in peace and protection structures with specific attention to the following dimensions: access to income-generating activities and vocational training; participation in savings and loans groups, cooperatives, and community-based microfinance; linkages to market-based value chains including agriculture, fisheries, and textiles; access to financial services and business development support; and capacity to sustain economic activities beyond programme support. The assessment will identify existing livelihood and economic empowerment opportunities accessible to women peace actors and assess gaps and entry points for linking women’s networks to these opportunities as a sustainability pathway beyond the programme period;
6. Review the key risks and assumptions underpinning programme implementation, including protection risks specific to women participating in programme activities, and assess the feasibility of the intended transition of coordination mechanisms and programme functions to government institutions and local civil society organizations.

Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work:

The consultant will design and conduct the mixed-methods baseline study in close consultation with the WPPII Programme Team, the Technical Working Group comprising UN Women, UNDP, and UNTMIS, and relevant implementing partners, including the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development (MoFHRD). The survey will cover all six programme areas: Banadir, Jubaland, Southwest State, Hirshabelle, Puntland, and Galmudug. Specific locations for field consultations and data collection will be agreed with the Programme Team based on the consultant's proposed sampling plan, logistical feasibility, and security considerations. Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Representative and with direct coordination with the WPS team and with support from the UN Women Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Specialist team, the consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant project documents, programme results frameworks, the end-term evaluation of WPP Phase I, previous perception surveys and monitoring reports, national policy frameworks including the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, Local Action Plans, the National Transformation Plan 2025 to 2029, and any available data on the programme's indicators and outcome areas. The desk review will also identify existing data gaps, assess data quality, and inform refinement of the methodology and sampling approach in the inception phase;
• Conduct consultations with a purposively selected group of stakeholders based on their direct involvement with or affiliation to programme target groups and structures. Priority will be given to women leaders and peace network members; government representatives at federal and Federal Member State levels; implementing partners and CSO representatives active in WPS programming; community members, including religious and traditional leaders from programme districts; and women survivors of SGBV and CRSV, women with disabilities, young women, and internally displaced persons as representatives of the most marginalized groups. Consultations shall, where feasible and security permitting, include women peace actors operating in less secure, recently recovered, or hard-to-reach districts, reflecting the Phase I lesson that engagement with women in such areas was previously insufficient;
• Prepare an inception report detailing the proposed baseline research design and methodology, including the sampling framework and sample size, data collection tools, a data analysis and quality assurance plan, a field work plan, risk mitigation plan, ethical safeguards, and a timeline for all deliverables. The inception report must be submitted and approved by the Programme Team before any primary data collection begins;
• Develop, pre-test, and finalize all data collection tools, including survey questionnaires, key informant interview guides, and focus group discussion guides. All tools must be disaggregated by sex, age, disability status, and location as required by the results framework. All tools must be directly aligned with the WPPII results framework indicators and designed to generate data that can be measured against confirmed baseline values. Pre-testing must take place in at least one programme location, and tools must be revised accordingly before rollout;
• Carry out primary data collection across all programme locations, including survey administration, key informant interviews with government officials, civil society representatives, women leaders, religious leaders, traditional elders, security sector actors, and media professionals, as well as focus group discussions with women's peace networks, community members, and youth groups. The consultant will ensure quality assurance processes throughout data collection and make use of local enumerators where feasible and appropriate;
• Conduct data analysis using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including tabulation, transcription, and visualization of findings across all indicator areas. The analysis must disaggregate all findings by sex, age group, disability status, and Federal Member State, and clearly identify differences across groups and geographic locations;
• Prepare a draft baseline report and present key findings to the WPPII Programme Team and Technical Working Group for review and feedback to any wider stakeholder consultation. The draft report must be accompanied by the submission of cleaned datasets, including codebooks and data collection tools as annexes;
• Facilitate an internal and external validation workshop to present and verify findings with programme stakeholders, including government counterparts, civil society, and women's networks. The consultant will organize, facilitate, and document the validation workshop, incorporate feedback received, and revise the report accordingly.
• Submit a final baseline report and an accompanying presentation. The report must include, at a minimum, an executive summary, introduction and programme overview, research purpose and conceptual framework, methodology, findings organized by outcome and output area, case illustrations, conclusions and recommendations, and a validated indicator baseline matrix with recommended targets for Year 1 and Year 2;
• The consultant shall work closely with the WPPII Programme Team and Technical Working Group throughout the assignment, allocate appropriately skilled personnel and resources to the survey, report bi-weekly in writing to the Programme Team on implementation status, key emerging findings, risks, and any delays, and report on overall progress and ensure timely delivery of all outputs in accordance with the schedule set out in this TOR;
• UN Women, through the Programme Team and in consultation with the Technical Working Group, will provide technical guidance and input throughout the assignment, facilitate logistical arrangements and access for field consultations, and review and provide certificates of acceptance for each deliverable.

Deliverables

The facilitator is expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Inception Report: A detailed research design and methodology document including the sampling framework, data collection tools, field work plan, data quality assurance plan, ethical and safeguarding protocol, and risk mitigation strategy and timeline. This document must be reviewed and approved by the Programme Team before primary data collection commences;
• Pre-tested and Finalized Data Collection Tools: All survey instruments, key informant interview guides, and focus group discussion guides, revised following pilot testing;
• Draft Baseline Report: A comprehensive draft report presenting findings across all outcome and output indicator areas, with disaggregated data, analysis, and preliminary conclusions and recommendations. The draft will be presented to the Programme Team and Technical Working Group before the validation workshop. The report shall also include a short section on implications for adaptive programming and programme sequencing, offering strategic guidance on the prioritization and phasing of institutional reform, social norm change, protection, and livelihoods interventions across the different programme contexts;
• Validation Workshop: Organization, facilitation, and documentation of the internal and external validation workshop to verify findings and gather stakeholder feedback;
• Final Baseline Report: A revised and finalized report incorporating feedback from the validation workshop. The report will include an executive summary, introduction, programme overview, research purpose and framework, methodology, disaggregated findings by outcome and output, case illustrations from women peace actors, conclusions, recommendations, and an indicator baseline matrix with confirmed baseline values and recommended programme targets. Include cleaned datasets, codebooks, and metadata as annexes;
• Presentation Materials: A polished presentation deck summarizing the key findings for use by the Programme Team with senior stakeholders and donors.

Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Payment Schedule (optional)

1. Inception Report :

A detailed research design and methodology document including the sampling framework, data collection tools, field work plan, and timeline. This document must be reviewed and approved by the Programme Team before primary data collection commences.

By 3 July 2026

20%

2. Pre-tested and Finalized Data Collection Tools:

All survey instruments, key informant interview guides, and focus group discussion guides, revised following pilot testing.

By 10 July 2026

3. Draft Baseline Report:

A comprehensive draft report presenting findings across all outcome and output indicator areas, with disaggregated data, analysis, and preliminary conclusions and recommendations. The draft will be presented to the Programme Team and Technical Working Group before the validation workshop.

By 12 August 2026

30%

4. Presentation Materials:

A polished presentation deck summarizing the key findings for use by the Programme Team with senior stakeholders and donors

5. Validation Workshop:

Organization, facilitation, and documentation of the internal and external validation workshop to verify findings and gather stakeholder input.

By 19 August 2026

6. Final Baseline Report:

A revised and finalized report incorporating feedback from the validation workshop. The report will include an executive summary, introduction, programme overview, research purpose and framework, methodology, disaggregated findings by outcome and output, case illustrations from women peace actors, conclusions, recommendations, and an indicator baseline matrix with confirmed baseline values and recommended programme targets.

By 31 August 2026

50%

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

The consultant will be home-based with travel to Mogadishu and other programme locations across Banadir, Jubaland, Southwest State, Hirshabelle, Puntland, and Galmudug as required by the approved field work plan. The specific locations for consultations and field data collection will be agreed upon by the Programme Team based on the consultant's proposed sampling plan, logistical availability, security clearance, and appropriateness. All travel must be conducted in accordance with UNDSS security advisories and UN Women security protocols.

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:

Functional Competencies:

• Strong research and analytical skills with demonstrated experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in conflict-affected settings;
• Deep knowledge of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, UNSCR 1325 and related resolutions, and gender equality and women's empowerment frameworks;
• Understanding of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence dynamics, including survivor-centred approaches to data collection and analysis;
• Expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for development programmes, including the design of results frameworks, indicator matrices, and baseline surveys;
• Practical experience applying human rights-based approaches and engaging with women leaders, young women, women with disabilities, and marginalized groups;
• Ability to design data collection tools that are culturally sensitive, protection-conscious, and adapted to low-literacy populations;
• Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to engage government officials, security sector actors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and communities;
• Strong knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including development of indicators, data collection tools, and reporting methodologies;
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills for validation workshops and stakeholder briefings;
• Proven track record in producing high-quality technical reports in the areas of gender equality, peacebuilding, and conflict

Education and Certification:

• A master’s degree or equivalent in International Development, Human Rights, Law, or related field, with strong expertise in Gender and Governance or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in research, monitoring and evaluation, programme assessment, gender equality, peacebuilding, or Women, Peace and Security (WPS)-related programming;
• Experience conducting baseline studies, assessments, or evaluations for UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, or development partners;
• Experience in gender-responsive research and analysis, particularly related to women’s participation, peace and security, governance, or social norms;
• Experience engaging and consulting with diverse stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and community leaders;
• Prior experience working in conflict-affected or fragile contexts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa or Somalia, is an asset;

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of any other UN official language is an asset.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.